Have you ever been so absorbed in a story that life seemed to stand still for a while? Maybe you’ve recently binged your favorite show on Netflix, or maybe you’ve read a book you just couldn’t put down, or maybe you went to the movies and forgot about everything that was happening outside of the theater.

All of us, in some way or another, are enamored with stories. We seek out great stories because they entertain us, they teach us and sometimes, they change our lives.

Did you ever think that your story could change someone’s life?

As followers of Jesus, scripture reminds us to be not only the “salt of the earth” but also to be “the light of the world,” as Jesus explains in Matthew 5:14-15:

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.”

Now, this may not sound like an easy task…how can a follower of Jesus show “everyone” who He is, when “everyone” may not welcome Him? The answer comes from your story. Our media and our culture remind us that everyone wants to hear a good story, and what better story do you have than what Jesus has done (and is doing) in your life?

As a follower of Jesus, your story is the key to being a great witness to others. In my latest talk, Explaining the Good News of Christ, I compare the concept of “witnessing” to participating in a courtroom. Talking to others about Jesus does not require us to act as judge, jury or lawyer…we are the witnesses. We simply explain, from our point of view, what Jesus means to us.

Think about a testimony you’ve heard and how much it moved you…your story could have the same effect on someone in your family, your workplace or in your community!

Do you know someone who could benefit from hearing your faith journey and how Jesus has saved you?

In Christ,

Jeff